Austin Community College launches utility lineworker program

Addressing what the school sees as an "urgent need," Austin Community College has developed a training program for utility line workers.

The applied science associates in utility line technology will train students interested in working with electricity. Line workers are typically those sent to front lines during power outages. They operate heavy machinery such as cherry pickers and cranes, and install overhead and underground power lines, transformers, and streetlights.

The Texas Workforce Commission has projected the need for skilled workers in this area will have increased 20 percent between 2006 and 2016. Line workers earn on average $20.23 per hour, or $42,080 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

ACC is hosting a line worker career expo July 14 at 10 a.m. from its Riverside Campus. Staff will provide live demonstrations and representatives from Austin Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Georgetown Electric and Oncor will be in attendance.

Interested students must be able to carry at least 60 pounds, be comfortable with heights and have a clean driving record. The school is also offering a three-semester utility line worker technology certificate.